The following prayer points are in a secure format to protect missionaries in sensitive locations. This means that some names have been removed, so they are best read in conjunction with the CMS Prayer Diary which is available from your local branch.
January 2020 Prayer Points
Wednesday 1 — Japan
Nathan & Maki Clapham pray for preparations for the NET (National Evangelical students Training) event in Japan next month. Steven & Sandra Parsons praise God for the opportunity to rest this week, and pray for deep soul refreshment to prepare for all the Lord has planned for this new year. Matt & Jen Lim pray for good rest as they have two weeks’ holiday with extended family. Chenny Thie thanks God for 2020. Pray that it will be another good year full of opportunities to proclaim God’s excellencies in her life. Roger & Noriko Dethlefs thank God for time to reconnect with family and supporting churches in Australia, and pray for the safe delivery of their sixth grandchild. Adam & Helane Ramsay pray that they’d stay healthy and hopeful as it gets cold, and keep taking every opportunity to share Jesus.
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Thursday 2 — Japan & Taiwan
Dene & Rachel Hughes pray for God’s blessing on their families as they reconnect with them in person. Praise God for their link churches and individual supporters. Pray for Dave & Beck McIntyre as they settle back into their home in Japan. Pray that God will help them re-establish relationships with church friends, neighbours, and school friends. Brad & Michelle Jackson pray that lots of young people will sign up to come to the church youth camp. Kellie Nicholas gives thanks for annual leave and time to spend holidays in Japan with friends. Sam & Shan-Shan Chrisp pray that they can learn more about what Chinese New Year means for their Taiwanese friends.
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Friday 3 — East Asia
E prays for renewed strength for the year ahead, and praises God for friendships with locals. L & J pray that their family holiday will be restful and refreshing, and a valuable time to reflect on the past year. D & L pray that students from East Asia will return from studies overseas transformed, and with a desire to serve with humility and grace. L prays for university winter camps and for good health and energy. D & T pray for God’s hand to be over D’s very ill family member. S & K pray they will each make at least one deep friendship amongst the people they love.
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Saturday 4 — Eurasia, Netherlands, Ireland & Austria
R prays that she will be God’s light each day and will look for any opportunities God gives her to shine for him. David & Cathie Sandifer give thanks for the year ahead and pray that they would use it wisely to serve him as they prepare to head to Tyndale Theological College in Amsterdam. Praise God with Erin Moorcroft and Matthew, who were married yesterday! Praise God for an incredible time seeing Aussie friends and family who came over to celebrate with them. Rachel Gibbs prays for God to raise up a new and able university student leader for the ÖSM groups in Linz, Austria, for the new semester in March.
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Sunday 5 — Spain & Malta
Miriam Bradshaw gives thanks to God for a new year to serve him in Spain. Pray that she’ll get into good Bible reading and prayer habits after moving countries. Mike & Tania Snowdon pray for safe travel back to Spain, and a smooth transition back into normal life, especially for the kids at school. Pray for smooth logistics as they move house, and open hearts as they welcome Miriam Bradshaw. Jim & Tanja French pray for the regrouping of CMS missionaries in Valencia with the Snowdons’ return, Miriam’s arrival, and the Lovells’ absence. Pray for a good start to second semester with Evie and Silas. John & Jodi Lovell give thanks for the opportunity to attend CMS Summer School, and to share how God has been faithfully at work in Valencia over the last 10 years answering people’s prayers. Geoff & Robyn pray they will trust God in ministry, family and life in Malta.
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Monday 6 — Germany & Italy
Mimy Gardner praises God for the many full home groups at Leipzig English Church. Pray for more willing and able leaders to start new home groups in different areas of Leipzig. Klaus & Jude Hickel pray that God’s Spirit would equip Leipzig English church to love and serve God wholeheartedly in 2020. Gillian Law prays for the annual Italy GBU staff conference at the end of this month, that discussions will be helpful for growing the ministry of GBU, that all they do will be centred on God’s word, and that they can enjoy rich fellowship as a staff team. Simon & Jessica Cowell pray for Lydia as she begins kindergarten in Australia, and for the whole family as they begin to share at their link churches. Naomi Brunacci prays for the planning and gathering of university students for the regional Winter Camp in Italy as they kick off second semester.
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Tuesday 7 — France
Pray for Colin & Catherine Puffett and the people to whom they minister, that they will draw near to God. Pray that the Puffets would manage their return to Australia for home assignment, and be aware of God’s abundant provision across three winters. Kelly Landrigan prays her new church plant in France will keep being motivated to meet together in the cold weather, and be building friendships in their community. Daniel & Kate Morris pray for the university ministry trainees, who are now halfway through their year. Pray that they will learn to trust God more and more as they continue to serve in ministry. Caroline Evenden gives thanks for the opportunity to share about GBU ministry at Summer School, and prays for a refreshing holiday break in the second half of January. Josh & Susannah Apieczonek pray for a good time of refreshment and planning on a retreat with the GBU team.
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Wednesday 8 — Development & Training
Mentac: Pray for the Mentac contribution to CMS NSW & ACT Summer School, that it will excite believers about the gospel needs in the Muslim world. Pray that God would draw new apprentices into the Mentac programme in Sydney, for the glory of his name.
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Thursday 9 — Nepal & Pakistan
D & E praise God for family and visitors who have been staying with them, and pray for the Nepali church as it comes under increased pressure from the government. Judy Gerber praises God for a supportive and collaborative school leadership team at KISC. D & S praise God that their daughter M can visit. Pray that she would see and know Christ better during this time, and develop a love for the Pakistani people.
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Friday 10 — Nepal
G & R pray for Gordon preaching on Micah tomorrow. Pray for Nepalis who face discrimination because of their faith in Jesus. S gives thanks for an opportunity to travel and take a holiday with her parents. B & L pray for God’s wisdom and guidance in how they can best serve Nepal in the year ahead. L & T pray for visa applications to be successful through INF, that they may stay the whole year. K (& B) pray for God’s guidance as they make decisions about where they should live and minister in 2020, as they finish up in Tansen.
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Saturday 11 — South Asia
A prays for good farewells with family and friends, and a joyful heart as she moves to live and serve the Lord in South Asia. K prays for a good transition from full-time language learning to part time NGO work. Pray especially that she and her colleagues will develop helpful and realistic goals for the new speech pathology service. E prays that her visa extension would be granted, and that she would be able to get a longer one this time. L prays for a youth gathering of believers and seekers from the majority background at the end of this month. Ask for a growing understanding of their identity in Christ. M & K pray for the four-day workshop with local majority background outreach workers, their wives and children. Pray that they might be encouraged by the Bible, grow in faith, and remain bold and courageous in speaking his truth. S (& T) pray for God’s help as they settle into life in Australia and begin home assignment.
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Sunday 12 — UAE & Jordan
Malcolm & Charissa pray that the election for a new Archbishop will be done with grace, and that God will provide a godly leader for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. M & O pray for safe travel to Dubai, and for the kids as they begin school in the days after arriving. J & D pray for their 2:42 New Leader Training, that the group will continue to multiply by training people as ‘disciples who grow disciples’. W & C pray for W, who hopes to visit Pakistan for two weeks in January to train Bible college students. E prays for good transitions as she moves to location this month, and that she will see God bring many people into his family this year. Pray with K that God would provide a time and place for English classes to happen, especially with potentially new classes from January.
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Monday 13 — Middle East
J gives thanks for the four women who made a commitment mid-year to not give up meeting together, and to grow deeper in knowledge and faith. Pray that their commitment would be upheld. S & P thank God for 2019 and his care for them during a very big year full of change. Please pray for a restful staff retreat early next month, for wisdom as they plan for the year. Pray for 2020 to be a year of personal growth, growth as a family, and growth of the kingdom. L prays that she would grow in her love for Jesus and God’s word during Summer School.
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Tuesday 14 — Middle East
B praises God for his abundant grace and prays for renewed energy, direction and purpose for the year ahead. M prays for opportunities to deepen relationships with the women who run local businesses—clothes shops, convenience stores, and salons. C prays for wisdom as she listens to locals and seeks to understand their felt needs. Pray that she would speak God’s grace into their lives. S & C pray for the students at theological college, who will begin a new semester this month. Pray for open hearts as they learn from God’s word, that they might be filled with knowledge and love for God.
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Wednesday 15 — North Australia
Tavis & Kate Beer pray as they share at Summer Under the Son (Victoria), that their words may build up and point all to Christ. Ian & Jenny Wood praise God for the fellowship and encouragement of CMS Summer School. Pray for their journey up to Darwin and then to Numbulwar. Wayne Oldfield & Mandy Jones pray for Wayne and the other college Deans as they prepare for the coming year, and sift through applications and contact church leaders to ensure they get the right students in for the courses offered. Derek & Rosemary Snibson pray for eyes to see and wisdom to respond, as they come alongside key Aboriginal folk at a time when many can feel left behind in Darwin. Chris & Karen Webb ask God to bring men into the church in One Arm Point Aboriginal community in the Kimberley, and to raise up leaders who will gather, encourage and teach God’s people there.
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Thursday 16 — North Australia, PNG, & Vanuatu
Matt & Lisa Pearson pray for opportunities to gather for Bible Study and encourage each other to maturity in Christ. Pray for the Kunwinjku believers to be equipped for the good works God has prepared for them. Matt & Kate Vinicombe pray that God would continue to grow their heart for the Anindilyakwa people on Groote Eylandt. Joel & Tiffanie Atwood pray for encouraging and refreshing times sharing at NSW & ACT Summer School and TAS SummerView. Keith & Marion Birchley pray for good connections with new students and the new student leadership in Port Morseby.
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Friday 17 — CMS Australia
Give thanks with the Communications team for the early production of Checkpoint Autumn. Pray that the edition will encourage readers to pray for youth and children’s ministries overseas. Pray for perseverance and wisdom for the Finance team in this busy month as they work on the budget questionnaire. Pray for good health during this time. The Mission Support team give thanks for Hope’s service as administrator. Pray for wisdom as they work on new database systems. Pray for the Leadership team visiting the various summer conferences and finalising departures for missionaries.
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Saturday 18 — South East Asia
J gives thanks for how God has enabled their relatively new language learning centre to progress. N thanks God for the gifts of a new year, and a new term in which to live for him. Pray for opportunities to speak of new life. K prays as she kicks off Partnership Support work at the SANT Summer Conference, for trust in our Heavenly Father and the ability to serve well. N & R pray for the provincial church as it has its national conference, that the gospel will be central and that there would be a renewed enthusiasm for its spread in their country. M & L pray that they would use their time wisely while students are away. S prays that God will draw the people of South East Asia to himself though Jesus in repentance and faith, for his glory alone!
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Sunday 19 — Cambodia & South East Asia
Maggie Crewes prays for her permanent move to Phnom Penh as she leads anti-trafficking work with Hope for Justice. Pray for good relationship building and adaptation as she learns to live and work in a busy Asian capital city. Wim & Maaike Prins pray for the HOPE school, that the Lord would provide the teachers needed for the next academic year. Praise God for the warmth of fellowship at Boholane ship and the opportunity to show the love of Christ in tangible ways to the staff. Craig & Samantha McCorkindale pray for their children as all three of them settle into a new school in Australia. Pray that they’ll make friendships that will help in this time of transition and beyond. Bethany Vaughan praises God for opportunities to become involved in the lives of many Cambodian people. Dave & Leoni Painter pray that plans to teach PTC at the Phnom Penh Bible school will come to fruition. Andrew & Liz Glover pray for many opportunities to improve their Khmer and their ability to speak to others in their community as they minister at ICF, Phnom Penh. N thanks God for the many opportunities to hear and see his work in her city and asks that he’ll continue to grow his church there.
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Monday 20 — Indonesia
Andrew Buchanan & Abi Tandiseru pray that God will have his hand over their transition back to Toraja, Indonesia, and provide for all their needs. N & R pray for the final stages of preparation before they fly to Indonesia. J & D pray for J as he teaches at Langham preaching training. Pray for safety and receptive and diligent participants. R prays for God’s wisdom, discernment and clarity about who to spend time with and what possibilities for ministry to pursue in mentoring pastors. T & E pray that the summer camps in Tasmania would really encourage the kids in their faith, and pray for the whole family as they pack to return to their home in Indonesia. Alan & Helen Wood praise God for the arrival of their new Associate Minister. Pray for them as they settle in to ministry at the South Jakarta congregation. Robin & Sarah Kinstead pray that God would provide them with many opportunities to learn about the people and culture in Indonesia, as they learn how to bring glory to God there.
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Tuesday 21 — South East Asia
J & I pray that they will start the year well in their various ministries after a short family holiday. I prays for opportunities to catch up with Bert’s Mum, Anita, and others who are on a faith journey. Martin & Jenny Foord pray that their first love would be Jesus, and that this would be evident in all they say and do as they continue teaching God’s word at ETC Asia, Singapore. Ian & Narelle Hadfield pray that an international night at St George’s, Tanglin, Singapore will be an excellent celebration of the gospel and the world. Chris & Grace Adams pray for their contribution to SUTS this year. Pray as they return to Timor-Leste in the next month. Christopher & Julie Dean give thanks for the CMS Summer Conferences and the opportunities to share what God is doing in various parts of the world. Pray for their ongoing preparation and for their move to Timor-Leste. Howard & Michelle Newby pray for physical, spiritual and emotional refreshment and rest as they take a break after Summer School.
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Wednesday 22 — Ethiopia, Kenya & North Africa
M prays for the right clients as she transitions from language study to English teaching, and that she’d have many opportunities to speak of Jesus. Shane & Naomi Rubie pray that the new year here in Abiba will bring peace amongst the Ethiopian people, and a desire to help the country move forward. Norm & Janelle Gorrie pray for the Lord to guide Bishop Daniel in making key clergy appointments across the Diocese of Marsabit. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
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Thursday 23 — DR Congo & Uganda
David & Prue Boyd pray for pastors and lay leaders in lonely and insecure places, that they would find fellowship and encouragement. Pray that the latest violence in Congo would be calmed. Graham & Wendy Toulmin pray that their plans to visit the proposed new clinics for their graduates will be possible, over the next six months. David & Jennifer Juniper give thanks for the opportunity to share the joy of Christmas with those they love. Pray that they would be used by God to encourage Christians in global mission. Andrew & Margaret Newman thank the Lord for heart-warming family times and pray for final preparations to leave for Uganda on January 26.
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Friday 24 — Tanzania
Judith Calf prays for their new evangelists, as they commence their five-month Foundation in Bible and Ministry Course this month. Mike & Katie Taylor thank God for a restful and enjoyable time at the Brackenhurst Missionary Conference. Arthur & Tamie Davis give thanks for the leadership of National Director Mussa Kimaro, and pray that his work towards making TAFES financially stable would be successful. Glen & Dominique Turner pray that the staff team at Mara Primary School would be unified, and start the year in a positive way after the difficult finish to 2019. Kevin & Karen Flanagan thank God for the refreshment of recent holidays and the opportunity to attend the Brackenhurst Missionary conference in Kenya.
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Saturday 25 — Namibia & South Africa
Daniel & Olivia Webster thank God for a short holiday at the Namibian coast in January. Pray for many decisions to be made about what they will do in the new year, especially how Olivia will use her physiotherapy skills. Kylie Zietsch prays for the opportunity to share the hope of Jesus with Mike and Thuso, and prays that she would cling to Christ during the homesickness of the Christmas period. Mike & Karen Roe thank the Lord for the way he used them to encourage others during CMS Summer Encounter this month. Pray for them to leave Australia well, to grieve well over their farewells, and to land and settle well in Cape Town. Nathan & Diane Lovell pray for the start of the George Whitefield College year. Pray for an enthusiastic and smooth start to the year.
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Sunday 26 — Chile
Michael & Jo Charles pray that they would be able to finish their time in Australia well, and enjoy relationships with friends and family before heading back to Santiago in early February. Gary & Julie Haddon pray for rest and family time, as well as for preparation for the new courses Gary is teaching at CEP this year. Frances Cook prays that the testimony of God’s beloved church would be effective in a time of political and social crisis. Chris & Stef Overhall pray for safe travels and a fruitful time in God’s word, as Chris teaches MOCLAM in Valparaiso and attends a GBU leadership camp.
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Monday 27 — Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, & Uruguay
Nick & Kysha Davies pray that they would be able to think strategically with the MOCLAM groups in Peru about sustainable theological education programs. Adrian & Anita Lovell give thanks for the way God has sustained us and provided for us during recent civil unrest in Bolivia. Pray they would grow in their trust of Him, and grow to be more like Jesus. Pedro & Joy Oliveira Woolmer give thanks for time with family over Christmas and ask for God’s comfort for them and their families as they prepare to leave for Uruguay. Peter & Sarah Sholl pray for Peter as he speaks from Genesis at the national camp of the student movement in Panama.
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Tuesday 28 — Argentina
Martin & Julie Field pray that they would prepare well for the uni year, especially with the arrival of 30,000 new students hoping to enter uni. Peter & Terry Blowes pray for clarity of direction for ABUA and for wisdom in training and planning. Amy Stephens prays for God’s guidance in planning for a new year of university ministry in Córdoba.
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Wednesday 29 — CMS Partners
Pray for the Co-Mission Partners that CMS supports through the Mission Support Fund. Give thanks for their faith and desire to share the gospel with people. Pray for their ministries in 2020 to bring glory to God.
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Thursday 30 – CMS Fellowship
NSW & ACT Pray for upcoming regional events, Central West Missionary Expo, and Canberra Mission Focus. Pray for refreshing times of fellowship as supporters hear God’s word and pray for world mission. QNNSW Give thanks for the Summer School conferences and pray that all who attended were encouraged by the Bible and will continue to be committed to world mission. SANT Pray for the Branch Candidates Committee as they make decisions about another two applicant families in January. TAS Praise God for a successful SummerView conference and pray that God will bless those who came by increasing their commitment to global mission, and bless Tasmania as they reach out locally with the gospel of God’s grace. Pray for T & E, as they return to Indonesia to continue their ministry. VIC Pray for the Lord’s sustaining power for the staff team and volunteers at Summer Under the Son. WA Pray for good strategic planning over the quieter season and good preparation for all aspects of SummerFocus.
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Friday 31 – CMS Fellowship
With the Former Missionaries’ Fellowship, we praise God for the fellowship gatherings at each of the CMS Summer Conferences around the nation. We ask God to grant great encouragement to the current missionaries from the testimonies and examples of former missionaries. We thank the Lord for the launch on 7 November of a book by Chris Mulherin (Argentina 1994-2006) Science and Christianity: Understanding the Conflict Myth. We pray that God will use this book in churches and schools and to help people who want an easy-to-read introduction to the topic of science and Christianity.